George Terpening, superintendent of the village of Saugerties parks, buildings and grounds department, is keeping a close watch on the algae bloom at the village beach. The bloom, Terpening explained, comes from sunny, hot, humid days which provide ideal conditions for the algae to grow.
Nutrients such as fertilizer washed downstream or material washed out of poorly working septic systems upstream feed the algae. Currently there are blooms to either side of the swimming docks, and at the boat and kayak launch ramp.
There is no bloom out in the fast-moving channel or in the swimming area between the two docks.
Terpening said he didn’t know why there is no bloom in the actual swimming area. Buut he said the beach will have to be closed if it does move into that area.
The county health department has done two water tests. Terpening said they didn’t find any problems with water quality. “However, I’m keeping a close look at the bloom, but if the weather stays cloudy and cool the bloom should dissipate,” Terpening said.
If it doesn’t, ‘No Swimming’ signs will be posted.
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